Caring for a Japanese School Bag in Hong Kong's Rainy and Typhoon Season
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Hong Kong's rainstorms and typhoons are a real test for a Japanese school bag. Parents often ask whether a leather randoseru can cope, and how care differs between leather and artificial leather. This guide explains what to do when a randoseru gets wet, based on care guidance from Murase Kabanko and Japan's Randoseru Association (ランドセル工業会), and sorted by the materials used in the bags on our store.
Is a Japanese randoseru waterproof?
The outer surface is designed to handle rain. Murase Kabanko states that the body materials of its randoseru are waterproof and water-repellent, so the surface does not let water through. For everyday rain, wiping the bag dry is enough.
A waterproof surface is not the same as a sealed bag. In heavy rain, water can still get inside, which is why Murase gives separate advice for a bag soaked through.
Wet-weather care by material
| Body material | Models on our store | After rain |
|---|---|---|
| L-fort artificial leather (urethane surface) | Bolca, Bolca Grayish, Huo, Glanz V | Wipe with a dry cloth, then dry in the shade |
| Clarino artificial leather | Mu+ | Wipe with a dry cloth, then dry in the shade |
| Cowhide Strong #09 (waterproof urethane finish) | Leather Bolca | Quick dry wipe when you get home; no leather cream needed |
| Cowhide Strong #00 | Takumi | Wipe at once with a dry cloth, then dry in the shade |
| Tochigi leather (vegetable-tanned) | Kabuto (adult) | Do not pour water on it; follow our Kabuto care guide |
Sources: Murase Kabanko care pages and product pages; Randoseru Association FAQ. See the list at the end.
Step by step: when the bag comes home wet
1. Wipe the surface straight away
The Randoseru Association warns that natural leather left wet can harden and crack. Wipe it with a dry cloth as soon as possible. Artificial leather needs the same dry wipe.
2. If the inside is wet, empty it
Murase advises taking everything out and drying the bag in the shade after heavy rain. In its guide to spilled drinks, it adds a few tips that also help after a soaking:
- Wipe pockets and corners carefully.
- Put a dry towel inside to speed drying.
- Use a fan for gentle airflow.
- Leave the flap open.
The bottom board is held with double-sided tape and can be taken out to dry. Re-attach it with double-sided tape, not glue, or the bag may become impossible to repair.
3. Dry it slowly, in the shade
Murase is clear on what not to use: hair dryers, direct sunlight, heaters and waterproof sprays. Hot air can damage or deform the bag. A bag that dries slowly in a ventilated room keeps its shape.
4. Keep an eye on it for a few days
Murase notes that moisture left inside can lead to mould and odour. For several days, unpack the bag after school and leave the flap open. This matters in Hong Kong, where humidity stays high after a typhoon passes.
Before and during typhoon season
- Use a rain cover on wet days. A clear cover helps in heavy rain. The Randoseru Association advises taking vinyl covers off at least once a week, because vinyl left on the bag can mark the surface. Murase also says to remove covers regularly.
- Protect electronics separately. If your child carries a tablet, a sleeve or zip bag inside adds a second layer of protection.
- Wipe off sweat as well as rain. The Association notes that straps and back pads get wetter from sweat than you might expect in summer. Wipe them and dry in the shade. Wiping the whole bag with a cleaner about every ten days also helps.
Storing a randoseru in humid months
If the bag is waiting for P1 or will not be used over the holidays, Murase recommends avoiding humid places. Keep it out of the back of a closed wardrobe and away from windows that collect condensation. For long storage in the box, remove plastic bags so air can circulate. Keep the protective card supplied with the bag in place. Murase also says not to use desiccants or insect repellents when storing.
For everyday cleaning and stains, see our randoseru care guide. To compare materials before you buy, read the 2026 buying guide.
Choosing a bag for a rainy city
If easy care matters most, the L-fort models are light and need only a dry wipe. Start with Bolca. For a cowhide body without leather cream, see Leather Bolca. If you prefer hand-stitched cowhide, look at Takumi. For workshop features beyond materials, see how to choose a Japanese workshop randoseru.
Delivery takes 7–14 business days for both Hong Kong and overseas orders. Local pickup is not offered. Items showing 0 stock can be pre-ordered; they are made in Japan and we confirm the delivery date by email.
Got caught in a storm and unsure what to do? Contact us with a photo and we will advise.
Sources
- Murase Kabanko: Randoseru care and storage (Japanese)
- Murase Kabanko: If a drink spills on a randoseru (Japanese)
- Murase Kabanko: Cleaning sand and mud (Japanese)
- Murase Kabanko: Leather Bolca details (Japanese)
- Randoseru Association: Care FAQ (Japanese)
- Randoseru Association: Using a randoseru correctly (Japanese)
- Murase Kabanko online shop: storage notes on a Takumi Leather product page (Japanese)